Jayne Posner: The Untold Story of Neil Diamond’s Ex-Wife

When you think of Neil Diamond, you probably imagine a man on stage, singing “Sweet Caroline” while a crowd cheers. But before all the lights, tours, and hit songs, there was a quiet woman by his side — Jayne Posner.

She’s not famous. She’s not on social media. But she was there at the very beginning of Neil Diamond’s journey. She supported him before the world knew his name. And even though their love story didn’t last forever, it left a big mark on his life.

In this article, we’ll share the full story of Jayne Posner, Neil Diamond’s ex-wife — from her early life and how she met Neil, to the ups and downs of their marriage. We’ll also look at her life after the divorce and where she is today.

Jayne Posner Quick Bio

Jayne Posner’s Early Life and Background

Jayne Posner was born in 1940 in Brooklyn, New York. She grew up in a regular, loving family — far from the world of music and fame.

As a young girl, Jayne lived a simple life. She wasn’t trying to be famous. She was focused on school, family, and building a good future. Not much is known about her parents or siblings, but Jayne was always described as kind, calm, and intelligent.

She later went on to study business administration, showing that she was serious about her career. Her choice to become a schoolteacher came from her love for helping others — something that would stay with her for many years.

Where Jayne Posner Met Neil Diamond

Jayne met Neil Diamond while they were both students at Abraham Lincoln High School in Brooklyn. They were just teenagers back then — full of dreams, like most young people.

Neil was part of the fencing team, and he already had a small interest in music. Jayne, on the other hand, was focused on her studies. But something about Neil stood out to her. Maybe it was his charm, or maybe it was his big dreams.

Their friendship slowly turned into something more. They would talk for hours, walk around the neighborhood, and support each other’s hopes for the future. It was young love — honest, sweet, and full of hope.

Marriage to Neil Diamond

After dating for a few years, Jayne Posner and Neil Diamond got married in 1963. At that time, Neil wasn’t famous yet. He was still writing songs and trying to get noticed. Jayne had already started working as a schoolteacher.

Their early married life was very normal. They didn’t have much money, but they had love. They lived in a small apartment and faced everyday problems like most couples do. But what made their relationship special was how much Jayne believed in Neil.

She stood by him, even when times were hard. She believed in his talent before anyone else did. That kind of support is rare — and it meant a lot to Neil.

Neil Diamond’s First Support System

Not many people know this, but Neil once wrote a song for Jayne when he couldn’t afford to buy her a gift. The song was called “Hear Them Bells”, and it was his way of saying, “I love you.” That small gesture says so much about their bond.

Jayne was more than just a wife. She was Neil’s cheerleader. She gave him strength when he had doubts. While Neil chased his music dreams, Jayne worked hard to support them both.

She didn’t ask for fame. She didn’t try to be in the spotlight. She just wanted Neil to succeed — and that kind of love helped him become the star we know today.

Life as Neil Diamond’s Wife

As Neil’s music career started growing, life began to change. He was traveling more, meeting producers, and spending less time at home. Fame was exciting, but it also brought pressure.

Jayne, who loved her quiet and private life, now had to deal with the changes that came with fame. She continued teaching and taking care of the home while Neil was away for long periods.

At first, they tried to make it work. But it wasn’t easy. The distance between them started to grow. Jayne missed the simple days they once had — before the tours, the fame, and the busy schedule.

Neil would later admit that he didn’t spend enough time with his family. He called Jayne a “wonderful woman” and said he was too focused on his career to be present at home.

Why Did Jayne Posner and Neil Diamond Get Divorced?

By 1967, things were falling apart. Neil and Jayne separated that year, and in 1969, their divorce was final. Many fans were surprised. They seemed like such a strong couple in the beginning.

Neil took responsibility for the split. He said his career came first, and he couldn’t balance fame with family life. He openly shared that he regretted not giving more time to Jayne and their children.

There were also rumors that Neil had an affair with his production assistant, Marcia Murphey. That rumor grew stronger when Neil married Marcia just 10 days after his divorce from Jayne. Jayne, however, stayed silent. She never spoke badly about Neil or the divorce.

Instead, she quietly walked away — with strength and grace.

Jayne Posner and Neil Diamond’s Children

During their marriage, Jayne Posner and Neil Diamond had two daughters together. Their first daughter, Marjorie Diamond, was born in 1965. Their second daughter, Elyn Diamond, was born in 1968.

Jayne loved being a mother. After the divorce, she focused fully on raising her daughters. She wanted them to have a normal and calm life, even though their father was becoming more famous every year.

One sweet moment from their family life later became music history. While watching a parade from a hotel window in New York, young Marjorie said, “What a beautiful noise.” That simple line inspired Neil to write his famous song “Beautiful Noise.” He even recorded a demo with his daughters singing along.

Jayne Posner After the Divorce

After the divorce in 1969, Jayne Posner made a clear choice. She stepped away from fame completely. She did not give interviews. She did not write books. She did not appear in public events.

Instead, Jayne chose peace. She focused on raising her daughters and protecting their privacy. While many people connected to celebrities chase attention, Jayne did the opposite.

She is believed to have lived in New York and later New Jersey, living a quiet and simple life. Some reports say she may have done small business work later on, but nothing was ever confirmed. Jayne stayed silent, and she seemed happy that way.

Where Is Jayne Posner Now?

So, where is Jayne Posner today? That is a question many fans still ask.

As of 2025, Jayne Posner is believed to be around 85 years old. She is still thought to be living somewhere in the United States, possibly in New Jersey. But no one knows for sure.

She has no social media. No recent photos. No public statements. This mystery is not an accident. Jayne chose privacy many years ago, and she has protected it ever since.

Jayne Posner’s Net Worth and Lifestyle Today

Jayne Posner’s estimated net worth is around $500,000 to $1 million. This likely came from her work as a teacher, personal savings, and divorce support.

Compared to her ex-husband, Neil Diamond, whose net worth is around $300 million, Jayne’s lifestyle has always been very modest.

She never lived a flashy life. She did not move to Hollywood. She did not enjoy luxury or fame. Her life stayed simple, calm, and private — just the way she wanted it.

Neil Diamond’s Thoughts on His Ex-Wife

Over the years, Neil Diamond has spoken honestly about his first marriage. He openly admitted that he failed to give Jayne the time and attention she deserved.

He once called Jayne a “spectacular woman” and said the breakup was mostly his fault. He explained that he was too focused on his career and did not balance family life well.

Some fans believe that songs like “Hurtin’ You Don’t Come Easy” were inspired by the pain of that breakup. Whether direct or not, it’s clear that Jayne Posner left a deep emotional mark on his life and music.

Why Jayne Posner’s Story Still Matters

Jayne Posner is often remembered only as Neil Diamond’s ex-wife. But her story is much more than that.

She was there before the fame. She supported a young man chasing a dream. She helped build a family. And when the marriage ended, she walked away with dignity and strength.

In a world that loves noise and attention, Jayne chose silence and peace. That choice makes her story special. She reminds us that not all important people are on stage. Some stay behind the curtain — quietly shaping lives.

Final Thoughts

So, what happened to Jayne Posner? She lived her life on her own terms.

She loved. She supported. She raised two daughters. And when her chapter with Neil Diamond ended, she wrote a new one — quietly, privately, and with grace.

In 2025, her story still matters. Not because of fame. But because it shows us something real. Sometimes, the strongest people are the ones who choose peace over the spotlight.

(FAQs)

What is Jayne Posner’s net worth?

Jayne Posner’s net worth is around $500,000 to $1 million. That’s very small compared to Neil Diamond, who is worth about $300 million.

How old is Jayne Posner now?

Jayne Posner was born in 1940, so in 2025 she is about 85 years old. But no one knows her exact birthday — she kept it private.

Did Jayne Posner get a big divorce payout?

No, she didn’t. Even though Neil Diamond became super rich, Jayne got a small settlement and never talked about it. She just moved on quietly.

Is Jayne Posner connected to Michael Douglas?

No, that is just a false rumor. Jayne Posner and Michael Douglas have nothing to do with each other.

Did Jayne Posner remarry? Where is she now?

Jayne never got married again. She lives a quiet life, most likely in New Jersey, and has stayed away from cameras and news for many years.

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